Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has launched the city government’s “Yormilk: Kaagapay ng Batang Maynila sa Paglaki” program, a milk supplementation initiative aimed at improving the nutrition of preschool children in the capital.
The program was officially rolled out on Monday in Barangay 137, Balut, Tondo.
Moreno said the program seeks to address malnutrition and stunting among children aged three to five enrolled in public daycare centers. Data from the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) show that 1,593 pupils in the city are classified as “wasted” or “severely wasted,” indicating acute malnutrition.
Under Yormilk, a total of 21,651 preschoolers will receive free milk three times a week for 90 days. Distribution will be conducted through 467 Child Development Centers across 436 barangays, with the support of 423 child development workers, according to MDSW records.
The mayor emphasized the importance of milk in early childhood development, noting its role in strengthening bones, boosting immunity, and supporting overall growth. He acknowledged that many families struggle to afford milk due to economic constraints, often prioritizing basic meals over nutrition-rich food.
Moreno also said the city opted to use fresh, locally produced milk instead of imported products to ensure safety and support Filipino farmers. The program is being implemented in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), the National Dairy Authority, and partner cooperatives.
The mayor assured parents that the milk program will be sustained and renewed every three months if needed. He stressed that the milk is intended solely for enrolled children and funded by taxpayers, expressing hope that the initiative will help prepare Batang Maynila for healthy growth and future schooling.
